Diya died at the age of 79. He served as Chief of the General Staff, under military head of state General Sani Abacha from 1994 until his arrest for
treason in 1997.
He previously served as Chief of Defence Staff and was Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
His death was announced in a message that went viral on social media and signed by one of his children, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family, that Diya died in the early hours of Sunday, March. 26.
The message reads, “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; We announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.
“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.
“Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.”